Roussanne “Limited Release” 2020 – Swartland Winery

The fruit to produce Roussanne “Limited Release” Swartland Winery was harvested from a single vineyard at optimal phenolic ripeness. The grapes were crushed and the juice was fermented in second and third fill French oak barrels. Roussanne “Limited Release” Swartland Winery was left on the lees for 60 days, adding texture and complexity to the palate; it was then racked and transferred back to the barrels for further ageing for six months, before being filtered and bottled.

The Swartland name originates from a description of the indigenous “renosterbos” or rhino bush, which appears to turn black, (“Swart” in Afrikaans), during the summer months. This hot, dry climate has an average temperature range of 25°C to 35°C and an annual rainfall of 450 mm and 600mm, but the altitude of these vineyards creates a cool oasis in this arid landscape. Minimal intervention and environmentally friendly farming practices are paramount. 80% of the vineyards are small bush vines with an average yield of six tonnes per hectare; the quality of fruit is exceptional.